01/30/2023
A/N: this story begins at a different time in the history of Araluen, I just can't say exactly when. Also, the first 2 chapters might not seem like the typical beginning for a crossover, but trust me...this is a crossover. Just not a "regular" one.
Prologue
Thirteen-year-old Berett seemed just like the other boys in Redmont's Ward; full of ambition and eager to join a certain craft. But he was different — in more ways than one. And as he strode down the hallway one of those reasons became very evident to Baron Kieran of Redmont Fief.
"I know you're behind that pillar Jacob," he called. "Come out."
A youth with wild, brown curls and a downcast face came out from behind one of the many pillars — specifically the very one that Berett had just passed by.
"How did you know I was there?" He questioned his best friend.
The other boy, a tall lad with black hair and storm-grey eyes, shrugged. "You always hide there, and I heard you moving around."
He placed an arm around his friend's shoulders. "You need to change your hiding spot more often. That will make it harder."
As their talk drifted on, Baron Kieran turned to the Ranger standing next to him.
"I don't really know how he does it. I couldn't see Jacob behind that pillar until he came out."
The Ranger — named Calix — smiled slightly. "The boy's very observant. Tell me, where did you find him?"
"My wife and I were visiting another family near Seacliff. A storm had swept through the area the night before, and while walking on the beach we found him. The boy was standing next to a shipwreck; he kept calling for someone, but we couldn't figure out who."
"And so you decided to bring him here?"
"Yes, we did."
"Hmmm," the Ranger stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I have been looking for someone to take on as an apprentice," he stated.
The Baron sighed. "I think Berett was leaning toward Horseschool, but you are right. He has all the natural abilities of a Ranger."
Calix chuckled. "I happened to notice he's also very tall."
Kieran laughed. "Yes he is. He's one of the tallest people I've ever seen." The Baron shook his head ruefully. "Only thirteen years old and already he is nearly as tall as I am."
The two men continued walking down the hallway as the two boys continued their game.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Two years later…
Berett, now fifteen years old, stood in line with the other children he had grown up with in Redmont's Ward.
To his left stood Willow, a girl with wits as sharp as a tack. She would make a natural diplomat. Then there was Jacob — his best friend — with an insatiable thirst for knowledge of plants and their different uses. He was an obvious choice for any healer.
"I'm glad to see you here today."
Berett's attention was drawn to the Baron as he spoke to them collectively. But as Baron Kieran spoke he thought he caught a flicker of movement from a corner of the room, but it happened so quickly he wasn't sure he had seen it.
Then the Craftmasters came into the room. Berett watched closely as they came. He saw the Horsemaster, and felt his pulse quicken. With his natural way around animals, Berett hoped to be accepted by the Horsemaster.
Then his turn came.
"Name." Baron Kieran's secretary asked.
"Berett," he repeated.
"Any choice Berett?" The Baron asked.
"Horseschool, sir," was his reply.
As the Baron considered what he said, Berett had a strange feeling that someone was watching him from behind the large desk he was standing in front of. Someone who wasn't the Baron.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
They were standing in Baron Keiran's study. Berett was there, his shoulders squared and head erect. His posture exuded confidence and determination.
"Berett," the Baron said. "I will consider your wish to enter Horseschool, but I feel like your talents lie in…other directions."
Berett looked at the Baron, then at the Ranger behind the Baron. The look on his face told him that the boy knew what the Baron was going to say.
"You think I would make a good Ranger."
The Baron's head jerked as the youth spoke those words. "Well…yes," he said. "But we'll leave the choice up to you."